Most people should have some sort of backup power/heat generation. But lots just don't bother to think about it, they are too comfortable in their normally reliable supplies of power and heating. These are the people who are in most danger though, they are often only 48hrs from a zombie apocalypse. The current cold is likely preventing the niggers from rioting at the moment though. Living in the country forces you to be better prepared. Where I am it doesn't get anywhere near as cold as it is in Texas at the moment, but I still have a wood heater (and several acres of trees to fuel it) and a petrol generator for when the power goes out, which it often does. City folk are often bemused as to why I would need these.